{"id":17866,"date":"2026-04-19T11:46:08","date_gmt":"2026-04-19T06:16:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aluminiummagazine.com\/mag\/?p=17866"},"modified":"2026-04-19T11:46:09","modified_gmt":"2026-04-19T06:16:09","slug":"aluminium-phosphide-fumigant-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aluminiummagazine.com\/mag\/aluminium\/compounds\/aluminium-phosphide-fumigant-guide.html","title":{"rendered":"Aluminum Phosphide (AlP): The Complete Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Aluminum phosphide is a highly toxic inorganic solid used globally as a fumigant and pesticide. It appears as dark grey or yellowish\u2011grey crystals. Its lethality comes not from the solid itself, but from its reaction with moisture to produce phosphine gas (PH\u2083). Handling, storage, and application are strictly regulated worldwide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:75px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. <strong>Basic Identification<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Chemical Formula:<\/strong> AlP<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Alternative Names:<\/strong> Aluminium phosphide, Phostoxin, Fumitoxin, Celphos<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Molecular Weight:<\/strong> 57.95 g\/mol<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>CAS Number:<\/strong> 20859-73-8<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Appearance:<\/strong> Dark grey or yellowish\u2011grey crystalline powder; commercial products are pressed into tablets or pellets<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:75px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. <strong>Physical Properties<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Property<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Aluminum Phosphide<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>Melting Point<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">&gt;2530\u202f\u00b0C (under pressure)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>Boiling Point<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Decomposes before boiling at normal pressure<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>Density<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">2.85 g\/cm\u00b3<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>Crystal Structure<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Zincblende<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>Solubility<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Insoluble in organic solvents; reacts violently with water<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pure AlP is thermally stable in vacuum but chemically unstable in humid air. Commercial tablets often contain ammonium carbamate to release ammonia and CO\u2082, which suppress spontaneous ignition of phosphine and provide a warning odor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:75px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. <strong>Chemical Behavior &amp; Synthesis<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3.1 Reaction with Water \u2013 The Fumigation Mechanism<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-large-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>AlP + 3 H\u2082O \u2192 Al(OH)\u2083 + PH\u2083 \u2191<\/strong><\/p><div class=\"pai-ad\" style=\"min-height:250px;visibility:hidden;\"><span style=\"display: block; text-align: center; font-size: 10px; margin: 0 0 10px 0; color: #999999;\">Ads<\/span>\r\n<!-- Display-300x250-1 -->\r\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\r\n     style=\"display:inline-block;width:300px;height:250px\"\r\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-3838168351244230\"\r\n     data-ad-slot=\"9933646018\"><\/ins>\r\n<script>\r\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\r\n<\/script><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The solid hydrolyzes to inert aluminum hydroxide and releases phosphine gas \u2013 a highly toxic, flammable, systemic poison. Ambient humidity alone triggers the reaction over 24\u201172 hours, filling sealed spaces with lethal gas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3.2 Synthesis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-large-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Al + P \u2192 AlP<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Finely divided aluminum and red phosphorus are mixed and ignited under an inert gas blanket (nitrogen or argon). The reaction is intensely exothermic.<\/p><div class=\"pai-ad\" style=\"min-height:250px;visibility:hidden;\"><span style=\"display: block; text-align: center; font-size: 10px; margin: 0 0 10px 0; color: #999999;\">Ads<\/span>\r\n<!-- Display-300x250-1 -->\r\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\r\n     style=\"display:inline-block;width:300px;height:250px\"\r\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-3838168351244230\"\r\n     data-ad-slot=\"9933646018\"><\/ins>\r\n<script>\r\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\r\n<\/script><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:75px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. <strong>Applications<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4.1 Agricultural Fumigation (Primary Use)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Grain Silos:<\/strong> Tablets are distributed through stored wheat, rice, and corn to kill insects and eggs without leaving toxic residues (PH\u2083 dissipates; Al(OH)\u2083 is inert and can be washed off).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Vertebrate Pest Control:<\/strong> Pellets are placed into burrows of moles, gophers, etc., then sealed. The gas fills the tunnels, eliminating pests.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4.2 Semiconductor Research<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">AlP is a wide\u2011bandgap semiconductor (2.45\u202feV) that alloys with other III\u2011V compounds (e.g., AlGaInP) for high\u2011brightness red, orange, and yellow LEDs and laser diodes. Handling constraints limit its use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:75px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. <strong>Safety &amp; Hazard Management<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">GHS Symbol<\/th><th>Meaning<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">\u2620\ufe0f GHS06<\/td><td>Toxic \/ fatal<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">\ud83d\udd25 GHS02<\/td><td>Flammable gas<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Critical Warning:<\/strong> AlP is lethal if swallowed (stomach acid accelerates PH\u2083 release). PH\u2083 gas is highly toxic by inhalation and can spontaneously combust in air.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5.1 Health Effects<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Route of Exposure<\/th><th>Effect<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>Inhalation (gas)<\/strong><\/td><td>Headache, dizziness, nausea, chest tightness. Severe exposure: pulmonary edema, cardiac arrhythmias, multi\u2011organ failure, death.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>Skin Contact<\/strong><\/td><td>Solid powder may cause mild irritation; moisture on skin can cause localized gas burns.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>Eye Contact<\/strong><\/td><td>Mechanical irritation from dust; gas severely irritates mucous membranes.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>Ingestion<\/strong><\/td><td>Usually fatal \u2013 PH\u2083 generated in stomach causes systemic poisoning.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5.2 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Respiratory:<\/strong> SCBA or full\u2011face respirator rated for phosphine gas.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Hands:<\/strong> Dry cotton or leather gloves (avoid sweaty rubber gloves that introduce moisture).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Eyes:<\/strong> Tight\u2011sealing splash and gas goggles.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5.3 First Aid Measures<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Inhalation:<\/strong> Remove victim to fresh air immediately. Use bag\u2011valve mask if available; avoid mouth\u2011to\u2011mouth. Seek emergency medical help.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ingestion:<\/strong> Immediate emergency medical assistance. Do <strong>not<\/strong> induce vomiting.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Skin:<\/strong> Brush off dry chemical quickly. Do not use small amounts of water (activates gas). Large\u2011volume outdoor drowning is a disposal method, not first aid.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5.4 Firefighting Information<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Phosphine gas can auto\u2011ignite and cause explosions in enclosed spaces.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Use:<\/strong> Dry sand, Class D dry powder.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Do NOT use:<\/strong> Water or foam.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Storage &amp; Handling<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Container:<\/strong> Hermetically sealed, factory\u2011original aluminum flasks.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Atmosphere:<\/strong> Open only outdoors or in intensely ventilated spaces.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Location:<\/strong> Cool, extremely dry, secured pesticide locker away from domestic areas.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Incompatibles:<\/strong> Water, humidity, acids, oxidizing agents.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6.1 Disposal \u2013 Deactivation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Never discard tablets in trash. Unused or expired tablets must be drowned in a large volume of water mixed with detergent in an outdoor, uninhabited area. The phosphine gas bubbles out and blows away over several days. The remaining aluminum hydroxide sludge is non\u2011toxic and can be disposed as hazardous waste.<\/p><div class=\"pai-ad\" style=\"min-height:250px;visibility:hidden;\"><span style=\"display: block; text-align: center; font-size: 10px; margin: 0 0 10px 0; color: #999999;\">Ads<\/span>\r\n<!-- Display-300x250-1 -->\r\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\r\n     style=\"display:inline-block;width:300px;height:250px\"\r\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-3838168351244230\"\r\n     data-ad-slot=\"9933646018\"><\/ins>\r\n<script>\r\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\r\n<\/script><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:75px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. <strong>Environmental Impact<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When used as directed, PH\u2083 oxidizes rapidly in the atmosphere to phosphoric acid (non\u2011toxic at low levels), and Al(OH)\u2083 is inert. No bioaccumulation. However, careless disposal near streams kills aquatic life via phosphine poisoning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:75px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">8. <strong>Comparison with Other Aluminium Compounds<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Compound<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Formula<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Primary Nature<\/th><th>Primary Hazard<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Aluminium Phosphide<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">AlP<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Toxic fumigant<\/td><td>Releases lethal PH\u2083 gas<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Aluminium Chloride<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">AlCl\u2083<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Industrial catalyst<\/td><td>Releases corrosive HCl gas<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Aluminium Nitride<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">AlN<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Advanced ceramic<\/td><td>Releases irritating NH\u2083 gas<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:75px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">9. <strong>Frequently Asked Questions<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Q: Does the aluminum poison the grain?<\/strong><br>A: No. AlP breaks down to Al(OH)\u2083 (inert, like antacid) and PH\u2083 gas, which dissipates. Grain residue is not toxic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Q: What does phosphine gas smell like?<\/strong><br>A: Pure PH\u2083 is odorless. Agricultural AlP is formulated to release traces of diphosphane and ammonia, giving a strong warning smell of rotting fish or garlic.<\/p><div class=\"pai-ad\" style=\"min-height:250px;visibility:hidden;\"><span style=\"display: block; text-align: center; font-size: 10px; margin: 0 0 10px 0; color: #999999;\">Ads<\/span>\r\n<!-- Display-300x250-1 -->\r\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\r\n     style=\"display:inline-block;width:300px;height:250px\"\r\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-3838168351244230\"\r\n     data-ad-slot=\"9933646018\"><\/ins>\r\n<script>\r\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\r\n<\/script><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Q: Can I use this for pests in my basement?<\/strong><br>A: <strong>Absolutely not.<\/strong> It is restricted to licensed agricultural applicators. The heavy gas can seep through cracks and suffocate people in living spaces above.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">10. <strong>Summary Data Sheet<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Property<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Value<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>Chemical Name<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Aluminum Phosphide<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>Formula<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">AlP<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>Appearance<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Dark grey or yellow crystalline solid<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>Density<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">2.85 g\/cm\u00b3<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>Primary Function<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Agricultural fumigant<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>Primary Hazard<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Fatal if swallowed or inhaled; releases toxic PH\u2083<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>Storage<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Strictly dry, secured pesticide lockers<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n<\/p><script>document.addEventListener(\"DOMContentLoaded\",function(){\n        if(window.innerWidth <= 768){\n            if (\"immediate\" === \"delay\") {\n                setTimeout(function(){document.querySelectorAll(\".pai-ad\").forEach(el=>el.style.visibility=\"visible\")},0);\n            } else if (\"immediate\" === \"scroll\") {\n                window.addEventListener(\"scroll\",function(){\n                    let s=window.scrollY\/(document.body.scrollHeight-window.innerHeight);\n                    if(s>0.1){\n                        document.querySelectorAll(\".pai-ad\").forEach(el=>el.style.visibility=\"visible\");\n                    }\n                });\n            } else {\n                document.querySelectorAll(\".pai-ad\").forEach(el=>el.style.visibility=\"visible\");\n            }\n        } else {\n            document.querySelectorAll(\".pai-ad\").forEach(el=>el.remove());\n        }\n    });<\/script>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Aluminum phosphide is a highly toxic inorganic solid used globally as a fumigant and pesticide. It appears as dark grey or yellowish\u2011grey crystals. Its lethality comes not from the solid itself, but from its reaction with moisture to produce phosphine gas (PH\u2083). Handling, storage, and application are strictly regulated worldwide. 1. Basic Identification 2. Physical &#8230; <a title=\"Aluminum Phosphide (AlP): The Complete Guide\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/aluminiummagazine.com\/mag\/aluminium\/compounds\/aluminium-phosphide-fumigant-guide.html\" aria-label=\"Read more about Aluminum Phosphide (AlP): The Complete Guide\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":17990,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4155],"tags":[4141,4142],"class_list":["post-17866","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-compounds","tag-aluminium-compounds","tag-aluminum-formula"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/aluminiummagazine.com\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17866","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/aluminiummagazine.com\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/aluminiummagazine.com\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aluminiummagazine.com\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/12"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aluminiummagazine.com\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=17866"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/aluminiummagazine.com\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17866\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aluminiummagazine.com\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/17990"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/aluminiummagazine.com\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=17866"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aluminiummagazine.com\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=17866"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aluminiummagazine.com\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=17866"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}